National Republican., 1887-04-05
COMMERCE. COMMISSION.
Relief Wanted In the Northwest From
Freight CbarRea.

FretBhb Cnhrkebs
AT 10 o'clock yesterday morning the
interstate commission was on hand at It's
temporary headquarters. There was the
customary large mail which covers up the
long table in their room, and Maj. Jonas
struggled with II all day.
sion memorial from the board OF trade at
Walla Walla, in relation to high charges.
The memoralists pray for relief In time to
save this years crop from exorbitaut
freight charges. He also presented me.
mortal from the board Of trade Of Portland,
Oreg., In relation to the long and short haul
feature. The memorialists set forth the
advantages which Portland has enjoyed as
compared with interior points by reason
of her position upon the coast. The water
lines, they say, have fixed the rates and the
rail lines have followed closely enough to
prevent exclusion from the traffic. The
Canadian Pacific, they further represent,
built and supported by the British govern
ment, for the purpose Of holding and ex-
tending British commerce, to the detriment
OF American interests, Is another element OF
the question. The memorialists say they
are not assured that the true meaning Of
the law is such as to forbid the making OF
rates to coast points In competition with
those OF the water carriers and the Cana
dian Pacific; yet, IL the commission so
interprets the law, they ask the PROMPT use
Of the dispensing power.
Congressman Butterworth, OF Ohio, ap-
peared with several gentlemen representing
the "river interests" and asked in their be.
half an opportunity to be heard in relation
to the matters presented by the representa-
tives of the Southern halfway and Steam.
ship Association. They were given copies
Of such documents as were filed by the rail-
road and withdrew to consider what steps
they would take. Messrs. w. ii. Ross, ii.
d. johnson, s. Waxelhaum, and j. +. Han.
son, committee representing the chamber
OF commerce OF Macon, Ca, were &c corded
hearing upon the subject brought up by
the Atlanta board and the southern rail-
road men on Saturday. They submitted
an elarate written argument in sup
| port Of thepetition for the suspension
OF the operation Of the long and short haul
| clause. 1t embodies schedules showing
| that after the law goes into effect the rates
| between Macon ard northern points Will be
| increased from IS to 30 per cent.
| The more sparsely settled condition Of
the south and its deficiencies In many re-
spects as compared with the older manu-
featuring centres Of the north and east
i were fully set forth as matters which made
| the conditions subst intially different from
those which prevail between the east and
the west and which justify the intervention
Of the commission. The declaration was
made that II the Interpretation now threat
ened had been foreseen when the bill was
under consideration the south would have
opposed the measure unanimously.
| The following letter, written by instruc-
tion OF the commission, explains itself.
To G. CHENEY, ESQ.,. General Superintendent
| Canadian Express Co.. Montreal.-Dedr Str
| Your letter OF the LIST instant requesting the
| decision of the commission upon the ques.
l...,
plies to express companies has been laid be-
| fore the commission and duly considered. II
| any express company desires to be heard by
early opporiunty viii be offered for the the pnr. a
| pose; but until such hearing is applied for the
commission will assume that the law does ap-
Py gCgrs to such NJ eFy
Mr.. E. s. Russell, attorney for the Mobile
and Ohio Railroad Company, presented a
memorial praying that It be permitted to
maintain its local rates at non. competitive
points, and meet competition at 'junctlon
points" by reduced rates. 1t sets forth that
the line extends from Mobile to East st.
Louis. and that 1t is crossed by twenty or
more lines from the Mississippi river, thus
with water lines. The revenues OF the road
are at present barely sufficient to cover fixed
charges, and any reduction would endangei
its solvency. Mr.. Russell asked an opportu
nifty to address the commission on Wednes
day, and was informed that this would be ac-
corded. 1t is expected that provisional
ruling will be made to-day on the petition
Of the Southern Railroad and Steamboat
Association with respect to continuance
of present rates temporarily. 1t is likel!
that the sessions Of this week will not b,
continued after Wednesday evening.
The commission promulgated the follow
ing rule Of proceeding: Application mad
for the official action Of the commission
shall be made by petition, which shall Sc
forth the facts on which they are founded
and be verified by the oath OF the applican
or some authorized agent or attorney.
The commissioners are still house hunt
ing, and, so far, without success. There 4
possibility Of their occupying rooms II
the Sun building.
The applications for positions under tn
commission are very numerous, and com
in every mail. day or tomorrow, 1t 1
believed, will see the election Of the secre
tary and the organization of the force.